A lower scoring game for the usual standards, but by far one of the most entertaining in a long time. Full back Isaac Murray-Macgregor was the starman in red and white with a wonderful brace. Written by Seán Richards, Llandovery RFC Media.
Scoring a crucial seven points at the death that awarded two bonus points with Ioan Hughes converting with ease. A true battle where two teams found themselves in the right areas but strong defence prevailed for a long period.
Twenty three minutes it took before the first score as captain Kieran Meek slotted a penalty while Ryan Jones was in the sin bin. His first attempt at the posts was a wayward drop goal, but this attempt was correct. A few chances for the Drovers who found themselves close, but Tomi Lewis and Isaac Murray-Macgregor were the closest.
The first try came to Isaac Murray-Macgregor who used some excellent football work to grubber and gather. A dangerous spark throughout the first half was destined for a try which he finally had after having close attempts already. Ioan Hughes converted in front of the post with ease for the extras.
An intercepting Ellis Davies was caught up as he found himself tackled but Carrick Macdonough on the other wing was wide open to cross. A quick recycle by Pooler saw a cross field kick that found McDonough wide open to cross with ease. This gave the visitors a point lead as Kieran Meek’s conversion struck post to bring up half time at 7-8 to Pontypool.
Just under ten minutes into the second half a gap appeared and Tom Hughes didn’t think twice and broke through to score. Coming on earlier than expected, a huge gap only ten meters out left him to cross effortlessly. Another conversion in front of the posts wasn’t a problem for Ioan Hughes to regain the lead.
Pooler powered over next with Liam Antrobus, following a lineout from close range. A very strong carry from the second row allowed Meek to convert for another one point lead for the visitors. After a long period of defence on their own line, Drovers didn’t concede and instead replied back with an amazing try from Ben Evans. Supporting the pod, the tip pass found him as he powered his way through the defence before a little step to allow him to dive under the posts. Another simple conversion for Ioan Hughes brought the scores to 21-15 with just over fifteen minutes to go.Ioan Hughes slotted another heartbreaking penalty to Pontypool with an eight point lead to add the insurance of a converted try. Pontypool fought back but the final ball to Rhys Cole was split forward to deny any late drama.
Battling until the end, Isaac Murray-Macgregor crossed for a second try in the middle of the field for Ioan Hughes to convert and this gained two points alone. Some brilliant individual work again as some sharp feet, sent the Pooler defence the wrong way for him to burst over the line. A key score which resulted in two bonus points for the afternoon.
This score put the full time result at 31-15 to the Drovers, and revenge for the opening day was complete. A wonderful performance in a cracking game of super rygbi cymru action, and yet again a thriller between these two sides as usual. This game got one back on Pontypool after an agonising loss on opening day, but the next game is Newport where Drovers will want revenge again.
Llandovery Starting XV (Coach: Euros Evans)
Tom Phillips, Finn Thomas, Llŷr Green, Morgan Jones, Joe Powell (C), Kai Jones, Tom Curry, Dan Gemine, Lucca Setaro, Ioan Hughes, Aaron Warren, Gryff Watkins, Corey Baldwin, Tomi Lewis, Isaac Murray-Macgregor.
Replacements
Cam Lewis, Dino Dallavalle, Jac Pritchard, Harry Holden, Ben Evans, Jac Davies, Tom Hughes, Josh Thomas.
Pontypool Starting XV (Coach: Tom Hancock)
George Tuckley, Sam Scarfe, Owain James, Joe Davies, Liam Antrobus, Dan Hill, Ryan Jones, Ben Williams, Morgan Lloyd, Evan Lloyd, Marcus Jones, Kieran Meek (C), Pat Lewis, Carrick McDonough, Ellis Davies
Replacements
Tiaan Hall, Tom Sims, Harri Rock, Lance Randall, Luke Daniel, Ellis Lewis, Joel Mahoney, Rhys Cole
Trys
Llandovery: Isaac Murray-Macgregor x2, Tom Hughes, Ben Evans
Pontypool: Carrick Mcdonough, Liam Antrobus
Conversions
Llandovery: Ioan Hughes x4
Pontypool: Kieran Meek
Penalties
Llandovery: Ioan Hughes
Pontypool: Kieran Meek
Yellow Cards
Pontypool: Ryan Jones